Head of Engineering

About Gravitics 

At Gravitics, we're not just exploring space—we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture the large-scale structures and systems that will power human and robotic activity in Earth orbit and beyond. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future, together.  

About the Role 

Gravitics is looking for a Head of Engineering to own technical execution across one or more of our core hardware programs. You'll lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization structures, mechanisms, propulsion, avionics, and software from concept through design, build, integration, and test. This is a hands-on leadership role at a company where directors are still close to the hardware: you'll set technical direction, unblock your teams, and represent engineering to the executive team, customers, and government partners. 

You'll report to the Chief Operating Officer and be a key member of the engineering leadership team as Gravitics scales from prototype to flight-qualified, repeatable hardware. 

Responsibilities: 

• Own engineering execution for one or more major programs cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality from concept through delivery and flight 
• Build, lead, and grow multidisciplinary teams spanning mechanical/structures, propulsion, avionics, and flight software 
• Set technical strategy and make build-vs-buy, make-vs-partner, and architecture trade-off calls in a resource-constrained startup environment 
• Establish and mature engineering processes (design reviews, requirements management, configuration control, verification & validation) appropriate for human-rated and government/defense hardware 
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, and Program Management to move designs from CAD to flight article on aggressive timelines 
• Represent engineering in customer and government program reviews 
• Recruit, mentor, and retain top engineering talent; build the technical culture and hiring bar as the team scales 
• Manage program risk, drive root-cause resolution on technical issues, and communicate status and trade-offs clearly to executive leadership 

About You

Required Attributes 

• 10+ years in aerospace/spacecraft engineering, with 4+ years in a people-leadership role (engineering manager, director, or equivalent) 
• Track record shipping flight hardware spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, or comparable complex electromechanical systems — from design through integration and test